FOCUS ON BLESSINGS
Numbers 11
Numbers 11:5-6: “We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”
Twelve-year-old Cassie loves summer days swimming with her friends at the public pool. Cassie appreciates carefree, happy fun. One day she mentioned, “I’m thrilled that my hardest problem is to meet you here every day.”
Missy giggled, nodding her head in agreement.
Brenda added, “We are lucky! Let’s have the most fun we can before we turn sixteen.”
“What happens at sixteen?” Missy asked.
“Jobs, silly!”
Let’s focus on blessings today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed! “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things [clothes, food, drink] will be given to you as well.” Jesus promises that our Father in heaven knows what we need, and will supply them. (Matthew 6:32-33). Jesus also provides righteousness when we confess, “I am the righteousness, wisdom, and holiness of God in Christ!” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Just by saying this, we are seeking God’s kingdom first!
With God meeting all our needs, we can focus on blessings every day.
When Israelites travelled to the Promised Land, the opening Scripture finds them complaining about the miraculous food that God provided. Manna tasted exactly what the person eating it craved--except leeks, onions, and garlic. (These foods are not good for pregnant or nursing women to pass onto their babies).
The problem with manna is that it looked the same every day. So, while no one died from thirst or starvation on the 40-year journey, the Israelites grew bored with manna.
Focusing on blessings cures boredom. There is enough grumbling in this world! Whoever focuses on lack, poisons life’s adventure. Whoever complains about what they don’t have is addicted to worry. Jesus warns about worry in Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Actually, worrywarts are blessed! They just hesitate to name their blessings—because when they think hard, their list of blessings goes on and on.
So, life is filled with blessings—obvious and hidden. Let’s focus on God’s goodness. Let’s focus on blessings!
Take Home Nugget
God’s kids’ mission is to live as He intended and enjoy happiness every day. We can focus on thanking God when we awake—and end each day recounting His miracles and provisions.
Missy thought about getting a job all day. Finally she announced her decision: “I’d like a job lifeguarding at this pool!” That would never get boring!”
Thank You Lord Jesus, for providing the righteousness of God in me—and everything else I need! Amen.
Adapted from “Seeing Our Blessings” by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. www.HolyLandMoments.com. June 7, 2017.
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